Cummins shows F4.5 Structural engine at EIMA 2024

F4.5 Structural engine at EIMA 2024 (Photo: PPI)

The Cummins F4.5 Structural is one of a choice of new engines produced specifically for agricultural tractor applications.

Intended for small to medium-sized models, the 4.5-litre turbodiesel (which is also HVO and B20 compliant) is available in four power ratings between 96 and 118 kW (130 and 160 hp). This is a 33% increase over the outgoing version. Torque output is 646 Nm (476 lb ft), a 31% increase.

As the name suggests, the engine is intended to act as a structural component, taking the place of a dedicated chassis. To support that, the engine features a cast iron block which uses additional material to achieve greater rigidity, together with a cast iron oil pan and gear housings.

The engine is EU Stage 5 and EPA Tier 4 Final compliant and further offers mounting for diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and diesel particulate filters (DPF) in the Cummins Flex Module aftertreatment system. This comes as a two-piece unit which can be used separately to help with onboard packaging.

Engine development

Speaking with Power Progress International at the EIMA International 2024 trade fair in Bologna, Italy, Fabio Vaiani, regional sales manager, On- and Off-Highway, offered more details about development of the F4.5 Structural.

“This engine is based on the new ‘F’ platform, which to start had a displacement of 3.8 litres. This [platform] has been carried over for the F4.5, but while the displacement has increased, it has the same exterior dimensions and weight [490 kg] as the original.”

Fabio Vaiani, Cummins (Photo: PPI)

Cummins previously offered the B4.5 engine, but Vaiani points out that this was not a structural model. “This is a new product which will launch Cummins into a new segment in which we’ve not previously competed,” said Vaiani.

He goes on the explain that while Cummins was “very active” in the agricultural engine market around the 1990s and early 2000s, the changing nature of the market and the specific requirements of the power products became too specialised.

“Cummins produces at lot of engines for a broad range of applications,” says Vaiani. “The tailored nature of the products needed for agricultural applications was too much at that time. Agricultural is unique, you can’t share those engines across other segments – they are only for agriculture.

“Now, the situation has changed significantly. We recently marked production of 1.5 million engines and that has given Cummins the opportunity to look at new segments; segments which are more specialised in terms of design and capability.”

Electronic features

While physical dimensions and power/torque output are important when considering engines for an agricultural machine, efficient engine control is equally critical.

“The engine mechanics follow the same basic principles, but the tailoring of the electronics to manage the performance is very important,” says Vaiani. “The engine control unit is set up to deliver high power and torque at the low end of the curve, low engine speeds.”

Additionally, the engine can maintain that initial torque across the operating range of the engine, helping to maintain precise control of the tractor and any attachments.

As with the F3.8, the F4.5 also supports remote engine monitoring technology. This can send data to diagnostic experts at Cummins for assessment; analysis can potentially reveal any issue with the engine, helping to reduce downtime and related maintenance costs and an improved total cost of ownership model.